Zamfara State, one of Nigeria’s most banditry-ravaged regions, has once again been thrown into mourning following the killing of ten security operatives in an ambush by armed bandits in Anka Local Government Area.
The victims, who included six members of the Zamfara State Community Protection Guards (CPG)—also known as Askarawa—and four local vigilantes (Yan Sakai), were reportedly attacked on Saturday, March 23, 2025, while returning from a successful joint operation against the criminals.
A Deadly Ambush
Sources familiar with the operation revealed that the joint security team, led by Nigerian Army troops, had earlier launched an offensive on bandit hideouts, neutralizing several armed criminals and recovering weapons.
However, on their way back, a group of recalcitrant bandits laid an ambush near the Bagega axis, opening fire on the operatives in a brutal attack that resulted in heavy casualties.
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Governor Lawal Confirms the Attack
Governor Dauda Lawal confirmed the tragic loss of lives in a statement posted in Hausa on his verified Facebook page.
“I received information that gunmen ambushed some members of the Zamfara State Community Protection Guards in Anka Local Government,” the governor wrote.
He further explained that the victims had participated in a coordinated military operation aimed at dismantling bandit camps before they were attacked while retreating from the battlefield.
“The information available to me is that on their way back, bandits ambushed them at Bagega and opened fire, killing six members of the CPG and four Yan Sakai (local vigilantes). Their burial was conducted on Sunday morning,” Governor Lawal stated.
Missing Operatives and Ongoing Search Efforts
In addition to the ten operatives killed, Governor Lawal revealed that three others remain missing, including:
- Two members of the Community Protection Guards (CPG).
- One local vigilante (Yan Sakai).
Search-and-rescue operations have since been launched to locate and recover the missing operatives.
Government’s Response to the Attack
Governor Lawal expressed deep condolences to the families of the deceased and announced immediate measures to support the injured and bereaved families.
“Upon learning about the incident, I immediately ordered that medical assistance be provided to the injured, while families of the deceased should receive relief materials to ease their suffering,” he stated.
He further prayed for the souls of the slain operatives, describing them as heroes who sacrificed their lives to protect their communities.
“May God accept the souls of those who paid the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. May He also comfort their families and bring an end to insecurity in Zamfara, the North, and Nigeria as a whole,” the governor added.
Zamfara: A State Under Siege by Bandits
Zamfara State has long been a hotspot for banditry, with criminal groups carrying out frequent:
- Mass killings
- Kidnappings for ransom
- Cattle rustling
- Attacks on villages
The ongoing security crisis has displaced thousands of residents, forced school closures, and left entire communities living in constant fear and hardship.
Despite repeated government interventions, including:
- Deployment of more troops
- Airstrikes on bandit hideouts
- Amnesty programs for repentant bandits
The criminals continue to adapt, launching fresh attacks on security forces and civilians alike.
A Pattern of Violence
The latest ambush in Anka is just one in a series of deadly attacks targeting security operatives in Zamfara and across Nigeria’s North-West region.
Some of the most recent attacks include:
- March 2025: Bandits attacked a military convoy in Shinkafi Local Government Area, killing seven soldiers.
- February 2025: Armed men raided several communities in Maradun LGA, killing over 20 villagers and abducting dozens.
- January 2025: A large bandit group stormed a police station in Bungudu, killing four officers and stealing arms.
These repeated ambushes and raids underscore the boldness and resilience of the criminal networks operating in the region.
Why Banditry Persists in Zamfara
Security analysts cite several reasons why banditry has flourished in Zamfara, including:
- Porous borders: Bandits easily cross between Zamfara, Niger, Katsina, and Kaduna States.
- Access to illegal weapons: Many criminal groups use sophisticated firearms, including AK-47s and RPGs.
- Weak intelligence gathering: Security agencies struggle to track bandit movements in the dense forests.
- Corruption and informants: Some locals and officials allegedly collaborate with bandits, leaking security plans.
- Ransom economy: Kidnapping for ransom has become a major source of income for criminals.
Calls for Urgent Government Action
Following the latest attack, concerned citizens, security experts, and advocacy groups have called for tougher measures to combat banditry in Zamfara.
Some of the recommended solutions include:
- Enhanced intelligence operations: Using drones and satellite technology to track bandit movements.
- Increased troop deployment: Sending more well-equipped and better-trained soldiers to Zamfara.
- Community policing: Strengthening local security forces like the CPG and vigilantes.
- Economic empowerment: Providing jobs and education to discourage young people from joining bandit gangs.
- Harsher penalties: Enforcing tougher punishments for convicted bandits and their sponsors.
A security analyst, Dr. Kabiru Musa, emphasized that Nigeria’s current security approach is insufficient.
“If we don’t upgrade our strategy, these criminals will continue to outmaneuver security forces. Zamfara needs real-time intelligence, rapid response teams, and specialized anti-banditry units,” he said.
What Next?
As Zamfara residents mourn the fallen operatives, all eyes are on the state and federal governments to see how they will respond to this latest tragedy.
Will authorities finally take decisive action to crush banditry? Or will criminals continue to terrorize innocent citizens?
For now, fear and uncertainty remain in Zamfara, as bandits tighten their grip on communities, leaving many to wonder when the nightmare will finally end.
